We live in a far more transient world than our parents and grandparents. Moving away or relocating to a new locality in furtherance of a new relationship or a new career is seemingly not a big deal these days, except when it comes to separating a parent from their child(ren). Washington’s Child Relocation Act (RCW 26.09.405-.560.) awards a “primary residential parent” (i.e., a parent having more than 55% of the residential time with a child) a “rebuttable presumption that the intended relocation of the child will be permitted.” The procedural requirements of the Child Relocation Act apply to any relocation wherein the child(ren) will be moved outside of their present school district and the relocation of the different locality will almost assuredly effect your current parenting plan and child support order (long distance transportation expenses?)
The Child Relocation Statute and its effect on parent/child relationships has come to represent a significant portion of my practice from helping people to secure the right to relocate where it will benefit them and their child(ren) to challenging relocations where they are made “in bad faith” or when there is concern that the proposed relocation will harm the child(ren). I have presented many, many cases on both sides of the issue and that experience is invaluable to navigating the court’s application of the Child Relocation Statute to your particular circumstances. Call me today at 360-787-2424 or contact me online to schedule a consultation to discuss all of the angles of a potential relocation.
